Copa America 2016: USMNT Players to Watch

Fabian Johnson #23, Kyle Beckerman #15, Jozy Altidore #17, Clint Dempsey #8 and Jermaine Jones #13 of the United States stand for the playing of the national anthems prior to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Qualifying match at Rose Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Pasadena, California. Mexico defeated the United States 3-2.

With the Copa America coming up this summer around the country, the USMNT will be looking to defend their home soil in order to capture the 100th Copa America tournament title. With that large of a tournament coming to the USA, we will no doubt see some of the best talent from around the globe flock to their respected national teams to try and take home the coveted trophy. That being said, I thought it was time to take a look at some of the U.S. national team members that will look to shine this summer for their country.

The son of former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley has been a featured member of the USA’s midfielder over the past few seasons. While Bradley is famous for going missing in some key moments in the game, this could be his opportunity to shine on a world stage yet again. I expect a big tournament coming from the midfielder.

The young gun for the United States has been a crucial part of the defense for the Americans, even at 23 years old. His physical ability and experience at a young age, has U.S. fans drooling over his potential. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, I see a strong push for the Bundesliga star to truly become a household name around the world. A great tournament could also see Brooks push through a move to some bigger clubs around Europe.

The highly touted defender, who shocked the world by completing a move to English giants Chelsea, has the potential to form a volatile partnership with John Brooks for the coming years. That’s not to count out Omar Gonzalez from still shining, who is playing for Puebla in Liga MX after leaving LA Galaxy, but with Miazga eager to gain experience with the first team, this looks to be his time to break into the spotlight.

The man that shined in Brazilthis summer has continued his incredible year with a big year for German side Borussia Monchengladbach. What makes things interesting this summer, is that Jürgen Klinsmann likes to play Johnson at Left Back. However, Johnson has been turning in consistently great performances on the left side of the midfield. If Jurgen decides to play Johnson in the midfield, I sense a successful summer for the USMNT.

The striker we all have a love/hate relationship with. The often misfiring but lovable Altidore, needs to come through for the U.S. on a world stage to shed the negative views so many seem to have of him. The striker is rapidly aging before our eyes and it may not be long until we move on from the once highly rated striker. I say if he doesn’t play up to the high standard demanded of him this summer, it may be time to give some more players (i.e. Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood) a shot at being the lone number 9 for the USMNT.

Only ten players in the entire world were “Backed by Messi” this year, and one of those player was none other than Gyasi Zardes. The 24-year-old, has been a key player for the Galaxy and has seen time for the U.S. first team over the past few seasons. I can see Zardes coming up with some key performances in the group stage of the competition this summer and when you perform against top competition, top clubs come calling.
What players are watching this summer in the Copa from the USMNT? Let me know your thoughts below.